Information in this record refers to the use of sodium pertechnetate Tc 99m as a diagnostic agent. A US Nuclear Regulatory Commission subcommittee has recommended that nursing be discontinued for 24 hours after administration of all technetium Tc 99m diagnostic products to simplify guidance recommendations, although this time interval may be longer than necessary.[1] However, other international agencies recommend shorter times for low doses (see table). During the period of interruption, the breasts should be emptied regularly and completely. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[2,3] The milk that is pumped by the mother during the time of breastfeeding interruption can either be discarded or stored refrigerated frozen and given to the infant after 10 physical half-lives, or about 60 hours, have elapsed. Mothers need not refrain from close contact with their infants after usual clinical doses.[3]
Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level, she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4]
For nursing mothers who work with Tc 99m substances in their workplace, there is no need to take any precautions other than those appropriate for general radiation protection.[5]